The foxes have had one piece of meat with a layer of organic jam smeared on it. The rain probably washed off most of it anyway. As it was suggested by this list I ran with it but I consider the effect on teeth, organs etc. of anything that isn't 'natural' and I do use Organic, not just for animals but for myself and I am not a meat eater so feeding foxes is a true love for them. I hate handling raw meat
I can inject vitamins into their food, even into the eggs along with other treatments. I was told by Wildlife Aid that they do homeopathic Mange treatments which was interesting. I don't know how they get it into the foxes but I'd be inclined to inject it into their food so they don't pick up any smell as all homeopathic treatments have some sort of an 'alcohol' type base to preserve it. Technically you don't feed homeopathic treatments with food but in some cases you have no option. The foxes I have visiting do not have Mange that I can see. I do a full spectrum nutritional mix which contains every vitamin, mineral, amino acid and enzyme needed by all life and that can be given into water or again into the food.
I would not feed peanut butter as a rule due to the high salt content but I don't think a small amount now and then can do harm to their kidneys. I was also told that Chicken Kiev in small slices was another option. My only concern there was that I don't know if cheese is acceptable although most animals do like it, but again, like anything a little out of the ordinary I'd be very sparing on that. The garlic would not do them any harm and as long as you don't overload the cheese, there is no damage to arteries that I am aware of. A little 'treat' now and then I can't see harming but I have tried to keep to basic meats, organ meat, I've made up minced meat mixed with egg and made them into meatballs which the foxes absolutely love. Our weather here is just torrential rain so the sandwiches will have to wait.
As I think I mentioned, I would think of feeding these animals as I would a dog which I consider safe if you're sensible as a dog owner. Wildlife Aid again suggested canned dog food so they've had an assortment and Butchers Tripe which is a strong scent has gone down well but please be assured I am talking 2-3 dessert spoons of this scattered between 3 foxes or 2 at least so I don't consider that a serious overdose and if it's good enough for Wildlife Aid then it can't be bad for the animal.
As we are not really meant to be handling or feeding any wildlife I think we are all on a learning curve. Nobody intended for them to be given a menu and a set meal daily but for one reason or another we are drawn to them, and other creatures. I'd rather feed them than watch them scavange the bins and get all the wrong things as they would. Pizza, chinese food etc. not so good, a little jam now and then not so bad
Sorry to be on my soapbox, I don't mean to undermine any of your suggestions or comments, I truly welcome them. I am learning each fox has a different personality. 'White Tip' is cautious but will spend quite some time on the garden eating the dog meat having first removed the egg/meat to it's hiding place and he/she has been going out on a different route. The big fox just hits and runs and the injured one hasn't been seen again since I last wrote about it.
My main concern would be as little salty food as possible because I don't know the age of the animal so I don't know what state the kidneys are in and salt and kidneys don't mix well in quantities in an older animal. Wildlife may be different but I err on the side of caution as I would with any animal in my care.
Fruit in limitation is okay but again it's sweet and in too much quantity can upset the blood sugar levels. I am off shortly to get some food in for them and I will continue to research and get advice off this list rather than ramble all over the internet where I seem to get conflicting information. At least here I feel comfortable asking questions and making comments of my own which I hope nobody objects to and I don't mind being corrected. The day I know it all will be a sad day !! One good thing is whilst the weather is so bad I've not been dashing around seeing off the cats but I do wish these foxes would get into a good timetable for their visits, regular times would be fantastic. Any ideas LOL.
Again, thanks for all the feedback and should I learn anything spectacular I'll let you know but I doubt I can match your knowledge on Wildlife. It is nice to have people around that don't consider me nuts although I think that boat sailed along time ago.
Sam
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